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John 16

33 verses

TL;DR

Jesus foretells persecution, explains His departure, and introduces the Comforter, whose guidance will turn sorrow into joy for believers.

Summary

In this chapter Jesus tells His disciples that they will face persecution and that they will be cast out of synagogues. He explains that His departure is necessary so that the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) may come. The Comforter will judge the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and will guide the disciples into all truth. Jesus promises that sorrow will be turned into joy, and that even though He will not be seen for a time, He will return. He urges His followers to pray and assures them that the Father will give what is asked in His name. The chapter concludes with Jesus declaring that He has overcome the world, and the disciples will be scattered but not abandoned because the Father is with Him.

Outline
  1. Jesus predicts persecution and explains His departure as necessary for the coming of the Comforter.
  2. The Comforter will judge the world, guide believers into truth, and glorify Jesus.
  3. The disciples experience sorrow, yet Jesus promises joy after His return, and the Father's presence remains.
  4. Jesus assures that He has overcome the world and encourages prayer in His name.
Themes
Persecution and the cost of discipleshipThe role of the Holy Spirit in guiding truthHopeful transformation from sorrow to joy
Keywords
JesusFatherComforterHoly Spiritsorrowjoytruthsinrighteousnessjudgmentproverbs
People
Jesusthe disciplesthe Fatherthe Comforter (Holy Spirit)
Places
synagoguesworld
Things
ComforterHoly Spiritsinrighteousnessjudgmentsorrowjoyproverbstruth
Key Verses
  • John 16:7: Explains why Jesus’ departure is necessary for the Comforter to come
  • John 16:8: Describes the Comforter’s role in judging sin, righteousness, and judgment
  • John 16:20: Shows Jesus’ prediction that sorrow will turn into joy
  • John 16:32: Warns of scattering yet assures the Father’s presence with Jesus
Questions
  • How does Jesus explain the necessity of His departure for the coming of the Comforter?
  • In what ways does the text link sorrow with eventual joy, and how does this shape Christian hope?
  • What is the significance of the disciples’ request for clarification regarding "a little while"?
  • How does Jesus’ promise of the Comforter reflect on the nature of divine revelation and guidance?
Sentiment

mixed
Sorrowful warning contrasted with hopeful promise